Service dog or furry friend? Maine clarifies law

The Associated Press , WCSH1:02 AM. EST October 18, 2016

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Sparky, a standard poodle service dog, sits with his owner Dori Tempio at the third annual Search and Rescue and Service Dog Day and Awards for Extraordinary Service to Humanity. (Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Those who try to pass off pets as service animals in Maine now face a $1,000 fine under a new law.

The Maine Human Rights Commission says many people in the disability community are unaware of the changes, which include a new category called assistance animals. Such animals are either trained or determined to be necessary to provide comfort and support to people with physical or mental disabilities.

Service animals, in contrast, are dogs trained to do specific tasks like pulling a wheelchair or guiding individuals who are totally or partially blind.

The law says that people with disabilities are entitled to have the help of a service animal in public places.

When it comes to housing, people with disabilities have the right to a service animal or assistance animal.